Fire crafted ceramics using a kiln

URN: CCSCRC10
Business Sectors (Suites): Craft,Craft (Ceramics)
Developed by: SDS
Approved on: 01 Mar 2014

Overview

This standard covers the skills and knowledge you need to fire ceramic products in a kiln. This involves firing ceramic ware in a kiln in line with safety procedures to meet requirements. You will start the firing process; monitor the firing; stop the firing when the process is complete and unload ware. You will check the kiln; products; equipment and materials; minimise waste and rework. 

This standard is suitable for those who are self-employed, working for a sole practitioner or within a workshop or studio. 

The following should be considered when working in craft: 

 Safe working practices 

 Ethics and sustainability


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

​You must be able to:

P1 use the appropriate methods to start the firing 

P2 use the appropriate methods to monitor the temperature of the kiln; and ensure the correct temperature is reached and maintained at different stages of the firing 

P3 carry out any necessary specialist treatment once the correct stage and temperature of the firing has been reached

P4 use the correct methods to stop the kiln when the duration of the firing is over 

P5 use the appropriate methods to cool the kiln as required 

P6 unload ceramics when they have reached a suitable temperature and put in the correct place 

P7 use and handle the appropriate tools, materials and equipment correctly and safely 

P8 identify any problems with ceramics, materials, tools and equipment and take the appropriate action to put them right 

P9 ensure the final product reaches the correct standard of quality


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

​You must be able to:

K1 the type/s of firing you use for crafted ceramics 

K2 the different types of firings which can be carried out in the kiln you are using 

K3 sources of fuel which can be used to fire kilns 

K4 the approximate capacity of the kiln you use 

K5 how to start the kiln firing 

K6 how to monitor the temperature of the kiln 

K7 the devices and methods which can be used to monitor firing temperatures 

K8 the temperature at which different types of crafted ceramics should be fired 

K9 the process of firing the kiln including the required temperature at different stages of the firing and the speed at which the kiln is taken up to the required temperature 

K10 the length of time it takes for the kiln to reach the required temperature 

K11 how to stop the kiln when the firing is over 

K12 the methods used to cool the kiln 

K13 at what temperature the kiln should be opened 

K14 at what temperature crafted ceramics can be unloaded from the kiln

K15 the changes which occur in the ceramics during the firing process 

K16 the tools and equipment needed when firing and unloading the kiln and how to identify they are in good working order 

K17 what harm could be caused to ceramics, property and people when firing and unloading the kiln and how this could be prevented? 

K18 the standards of quality which should be met by fired ceramics 


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

01 Mar 2017

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Creative & Cultrual Skills

Original URN

CCSCRC10

Relevant Occupations

Artistic and Literary Occupations, Ceramicist, Crafts, Creative Arts and Design, Artist

SOC Code


Keywords

ceramics; craft; kiln; firing;